Laurie Shines as Raiders Dominate Storm in Pre-Season Stoush
The humble utility player is set to be a major talking point in the NRL this season, with new interchange rules placing greater emphasis on versatility and depth. And the Canberra Raiders appear to have one of the best around in Daine Laurie, who made a significant impression in his first outing since arriving from Penrith. While names like Tyran Wishart and Connor Watson often grab the headlines, Laurie delivered a performance on Friday the 13th that was nothing short of spectacular, playing a crucial role in Canberra’s commanding 32-6 victory over the Melbourne Storm in Queanbeyan.
Laurie, typically a fullback or winger, looked remarkably at home in the halves. He orchestrated a try assist and was instrumental in setting up another first-half try, sending a clear message to coach Ricky Stuart that he deserves a spot on the bench for round one. His experience and adaptability could well see him emerge as one of the shrewdest signings of the year by the end of 2026. This is particularly relevant as Stuart and his counterparts across the league grapple with the shift from four to six players on the interchange bench, demanding greater flexibility from their squads.
In the second half, Laurie showcased his class from the fullback position, creating the space for Seb Kris to execute a brilliant flick pass that led to Canberra’s fourth try. Kris then went on to score a try of his own, capping off a thoroughly dominant performance for the Green Machine. The Storm’s solitary try came in the dying stages of the match, with Mark Tuialii in the sin bin for a high tackle.
Combinations to Watch
Across the country, SuperCoach enthusiasts will have been closely observing Melbourne’s Ativalu Lisati, who is gaining favour to step into the back row and potentially replace Eli Katoa. Lisati began the match on the left edge before switching flanks with young talent Cooper Clarke. Clarke’s deployment on the edge, rather than in the middle, was a surprise. Lisati, meanwhile, impressed in the first half, racking up a team-high 66 metres and making 20 tackles.
For the Raiders, Owen Pattie presents an intriguing prospect. While he possesses freakish talent, he will likely need to bide his time behind the established Tom Starling. Pattie showed flashes of his potential on Friday, though he did appear a little eager at times, delivering a couple of pushed passes from dummy-half.
Recruit Watch: Hetherington’s Impact for Storm
Jack Hetherington is shaping up to be one of Melbourne’s most significant off-season acquisitions. The veteran forward arrives with a reputation as a firebrand and is aiming to fulfil his considerable potential with the Storm. Having moved around the NRL previously, Hetherington could prove invaluable for Melbourne, particularly in providing an enforcer presence following the departure of Nelson Asofa-Solomona from the rugby league scene.
Hetherington put in a substantial shift in the middle of the park, demonstrating some ball-playing ability. He also possesses the versatility to play on an edge if required, adding another layer to his utility value.
Rookie Watch: Emerging Talent on Display
The name Hugo Peel has been consistently mentioned from Melbourne throughout the off-season, and it’s easy to see why he’s putting pressure on Sua Fa’alogo for the fullback position. Coach Craig Bellamy confirmed on Thursday that the Samoan speedster will be given the first opportunity to fill the void left by Ryan Papenhuyzen. However, Peel is undoubtedly breathing down his neck and is almost certain to feature in first-grade football at some point this year. The 2025 Jersey Flegg standout looked dangerous every time he touched the ball.
Similarly, dynamic dummy-half Gabriel Satrick was a constant running threat. For the Raiders, the 194cm Vena Patuki-Case appears to be a star on the rise. This imposing middle forward is ideally placed to elevate his game, learning from seasoned campaigners like Joseph Tapine and Josh Papalii. Jalen Afamasaga also had his moments, including a slashing solo try and a cracking long pass that set up another.
Hot Take: premiership Aspirations for Two Powerhouses
Despite finishing first and second last year, there’s a degree of apprehension surrounding the premiership chances of both the Raiders and the Storm in 2026. However, it would be a bold prediction to suggest either team will miss the finals. Both clubs possess the talent and depth to be genuine contenders, and the possibility of them meeting in a finals clash that rivals their epic Magic Round encounter is very real.
Final Say: Depth and Star Power
The depth of talent on display at Canberra is a significant cause for excitement for their supporters. The younger players have demonstrated that the club has capable individuals ready to step up and perform in every position.
For Melbourne, the ultimate test will come when their big three – Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, and Harry Grant – take to the field together in round one. Their presence alone is enough to make any team a formidable opponent.
